A MAN has been jailed for making threats to a worker at a homeless unit in Sauchie.

Paul Conlan threatened to get a "gang of gypsies" to set fire to the place after an argument with a security worker.

Conlon appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court via videolink from jail, on Thursday, July 8.

He admitted that on June 15, at Hallpark homeless accommodation facility, Sauchie, he acted aggressively, repeatedly shouted, swore and made threats towards an employee there.

The same day at Falkirk police station he acted aggressively and made homophobic comments towards officers.

The court was told that Conlan was living at the homeless unit at the time and returned there with a guest.

This guest had not left by 11pm in accordance with the rules of the unit and so the security officer tried to get in touch with Conlan, initially by phone.

When the worker spoke to Conlan reminding him about the visiting policy this was met with laughter and then the phone was put down.

Later, Conlan left his flat and got into an argument with the worker, shouting and swearing at him.

He told him he was going to get "a gang of gypsies to burst through the barrier and set the building alight" before later saying: "I'm going to get somebody to strip your car."

Police were contacted and arrested Conlan, before taking him to hospital for a check-up because of his level of intoxication.

He was then taken to the police station where he became verbally abusive to officers.

Defence solicitor Robert Smith told the court: "He doesn't have an enviable record. There is a background of drug misuse.

"He regrets his behaviour. He says these were empty threats and that he doesn't know any gypsies."

Sheriff Craig Harris jailed Conlan for 140 days.